Agricultural Product Flow Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seeding systems require time-consuming and often inaccurate manual calibration procedures to ensure the correct delivery of seeds or fertilizers, which can lead to either over or under-delivery of products during agricultural operations.
Innovation Solution
A product flow measurement system that uses pressure sensors and air flow sensors to determine the mass flow rate of products through a fluid conduit, eliminating the need for manual calibration by automatically adjusting the metering system based on measured parameters such as pressure drop, air flow rate, and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used to calibrate meter rollers, then product delivery accuracy can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Pressure sensors and air flow sensors automatically measure product flow parameters, eliminating the need for manual meter roller calibration while maintaining measurement precision. The system computes flow rates algorithmically based on sensor data rather than requiring physical calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring pressure drops and air flow rates to determine product flow characteristics. The system adjusts and optimizes its own operation without requiring external manual intervention, continuously adapting to varying operating conditions through automated feedback from sensors.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by users, then product flow can be measured, but the process is complex and prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual calibration procedures with automated electronic sensing and computation. Pressure sensors and air flow sensors continuously measure operational parameters, and a controller automatically computes product flow rates using programmed algorithms, eliminating user intervention and associated errors while simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor pressure drops and air flow rates, the controller processes this data in real-time, and the system automatically adjusts measurements and computations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate product flow measurement without requiring complex manual procedures or user expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If meter rollers are calibrated manually, then product delivery can be controlled, but switching between different products requires recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system automatically adapts to different products by continuously measuring pressure drops and air flow rates specific to each product type. The controller computes flow rates based on real-time sensor data rather than relying on pre-calibrated meter roller settings, enabling immediate product switching without recalibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-calibrated meter roller settings to dynamic real-time measurement and computation. Sensors continuously monitor operating conditions and the controller automatically adjusts flow rate calculations based on current pressure and air flow measurements, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different products and operating conditions without manual recalibration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system ensures precise and efficient delivery of products by automatically adjusting the product flow, reducing the risk of errors and allowing for seamless switching between different products without recalibration, thereby improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow
Implementation Method 3
The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow.